LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 13

CONCRETE MIX DESIGNING AND PROPORTIONING

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this laboratory experiment, you are expected to:

1. Know the importance of the water/cement ratio in concrete design calculation.

2. Follow the design process in accordance with American Concrete Institute.

REFERENCED STANDARD

ASTM C150-22

ASTM C187-16

ASTM C305-20

ASTM C595-080

ACI 211.1-91

INTRODUCTION

This Standard Practice describes methods for selecting proportions for hydraulic cement
concrete made with and without other cementitious mate pals and chemical admixtures. This
concrete consists of normal and/or high-density aggregates (distinguished from lightweight
aggregates) with workability suitable for usual cast-in-place construction (distinguished from
special mixtures for concrete products manufacture). Also included is a description of methods
for selecting proportions for mass concrete. Hydraulic cement referred to in this Standard
Practice is Portland cement (ASTM C 150) and blended cement (ASTM C 595).

APPARATUS/MATERIALS

Portland Cement Sample Graduated Cylinder (250ml. capacity)

Coarse Aggregates Balance (sensitive to 0.1 gm)

Fine Aggregates Spatula

Sieve (#200) Containers

Mixing Bowl Shovel

Planetary Mixer

PROCEDURE

A. Properties of aggregates
1. Fill out the data generated from the previous experiments for aggregates' properties
(see Table 1).
B. Calculation of concrete proportion
1. Highlight the recommended slump values based on the concrete application see Table 2.
2. Highlight and approximate mixing water and air content requirements for different slumps
and nominal maximum size of aggregates (NMCA) see Table 3

Table 1. Properties of aggregates.

PROPERTIES CA UNIT REFERENCE FA UNIT REFERENCE

SG, (O.D): ASTM C127 ASTM C128 – 07a
SG, (SSD): ASTM C127 ASTM C128 – 07a
DENSITY (O.D): kg/m3 ASTM C127 kg/m3 ASTM C128 – 07a
DENSITY (SSD): kg/m3 ASTM C127 kg/m3 ASTM C128 – 07a
Bulk Density: kg/m3 ASTM C29 kg/m3

Absorption: % ASTM C127 % ASTM C127

Moisture Content: % ASTM C566 % ASTM C566

Fineness Modulus: ASTM C136 ASTM C136

NMCA: mm ASTM C136 mm ASTM C136
Percent Retained ASTM C136 ASTM C136

Table 2. Slump requirement.

Slump, mm
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
Minimum Maximum
Reinforced Foundation Walls and Footings 25 75
Plain Footings, Caissons and Sub-structure 25 75
Beams and Reinforced Walls 25 100
Building Columns 25 100
Pavement and Slabs 25 75
Mass Concrete 25 75
*May be increased by 25mm for consolidation methods other than vibration

Table 3. Estimated mixing water (free water) and air content requirements for air-entrained
and non-air-entrained concrete.

Water, kg/m3 of Cocrete for Indicated Maximum Sizes of Aggregates in mm

Slump, mm
9.5 12.5 19 25 37.5 50 75 150
Non-Air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 207 199 190 179 166 154 130 113
75 to 100 228 216 205 193 181 169 145 124
150 to 175 243 228 216 202 190 178 160 -
Approximate
amount of air in
3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.3 0.2
non-air entrained
concrete, %
Air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 181 175 168 160 150 142 122 107
75 to 100 202 193 184 175 165 157 133 119
150 to 175 216 205 197 184 174 166 154 -
Recommended
Average Total Air 8 7 6 5 4.5 - 3.5 3
Content, %
* The quantity of mixing water given for air-entrained concrete based on typical total air content
requirements as for "moderate exposure”.
* These trial batches are prepared in mixing water at 20 °C to 25°C.
- Slump values for aggregates larger than 40 mm are based on slump tests made after removing
particles larger than 40mm by wet screening.
* These quantities of mixing water are used in computing cement factors trial batches when 75mm
to 150mm NMSA is used; they are average for reasonably well-shaped coarse aggregates, well
graded from coarse to fine.

3. Highlight the targeted compressive strength and the corresponding value for air- entrained
and non-air-entrained concrete according to the previous design criteria see Table 4.
Table 4. Target compressive strength.

Compressive Strength at 28 days, Water-Cement Ratio , By Weight

Mpa (psi) Non-Air Entrained Concrete Air-Entrained Concrete

40Mpa (5800psi) 0.42 -

35Mpa (5075psi) 0.47 0.39

30Mpa (4350psi) 0.54 0.45

25Mpa (3625psi) 0.61 0.52

20Mpa (2900psi) 0.69 0.6

15Mpa (2175psi) 0.79 0.7

 Non-air-entrained-air content not more than 2%
 Air-entrained-air content not more than 6% and greater than 296
 Strength is based on 152mm x305mm (6in. x 12in.) for 28days in accordance of ASTM C31
 Cylinders cured moist at 23 ± 1.7 °C

The table was derived based on the assumed nominal maximum aggregate size from
19mm to 25mm. As the water-cement ratio increases, the nominal maximum size of aggregate
size decreases.

4. Calculate the coarse aggregate requirement using the dry-rodded unit weight/density and
nominal maximum size of coarse aggregate see Table 6. If the values are outside the
prescribed multiplier, use interpolation or extrapolation to generate a multiplier, then
multiply to the dry-rodded unit weight to solve for the required coarse aggregate, kg/m³.

Table 6. The volume of coarse aggregate per unit of volume of concrete

Volume of Dry-Rodded Coarse Aggregates per Unit

Normal Maximum Size of Volume of Concrete for Different Fineness Modulus of
Aggregates, mm Sand
2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0
9.5 0.5 0.48 0.46 0.44
12.5 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
19 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.6
25 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65
37.5 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69
50 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
 75 0.82 0.8 0.78 0.76
150 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81

5. Calculate the fine aggregate requirement using Mass Basis Calculation by selecting the
estimated fresh unit of weight of concrete see Table 7. The corresponding value for air-
entrained and non-air-entrained concrete according to the previous design criteria.
Highlight the targeted fresh unit weight of concrete based on NMCA.

Table 7. Estimated fresh unit weight of concrete.

Maximum Size of Aggregates, First Estimate of Concrete Weight , kg/m3

mm Non-Air Entrained Air Entrained
9.5 2280 2200
12.5 2310 2230
19 2345 2275
25 2380 2290
37.5 2410 2350
50 2445 2345
75 2490 2405
150 2530 2435

CALCULATION

Dry Rodded Unit Moisture

Specific Gravity Absorption %
Weight Content
Cement 3.25 - - -
¾ CA 2.883 11.84% 1603.79 11.98%
FA 2.14 10.05% 1542.66 20.46%

Fineness Modulus = 2.6

Cement 341.67kg
Water 205kg
¾ CA 1026.43kg
Sand 665.54kg
Air 2%
 205
C= =341.67 kg
0.6

C A=0.64 ( 1603.79 )=1026.43 kg

By Absolute Value (FA)

205 3
Volume of Water= =0.205 m
1000

341.67 3
Volume of Cement= =0.108 m
3.15(1000)

1026.43 3
Volume of CA= =0.356 m
2.883(1000)

3 3
Air Content=2 %(1 m )=0.02 m

Total = 0.689m3

3
Estimation of FA=1−0.689=0. 311m

Mass of FA=0.311 ( 2.14 ×1000 )

FA Content , kg=665.54 kg

Proportion Dry Basis:

0.108
C ement= =1
0.108

3
Water=0.205 m ( 1000 L )=205 L

0.356
C A= =3.296
0.108

0.311
FA= =2.88
0.108

Concrete Proportion: 1: 2.88: 3.296 @205L of Water

Moist Condition:

MC – Absorption (%) Free Mositure

CA 11.98 – 11.84 0.14
 Sand 20.46 – 10.05 10.41

Water=205−1026.43 ( 0.0014 )−665.54 ( 0.1041 )=134.219 kg

Adjusted: Moist Condition

CA=1026.43 (1.1198 )=1149.396 kg

Sand=665.54 ( 1.2046 )=801.709 kg

Concrete Proportion at Moist Condition:

341.67 3 0.108
Cement= =0.108 m = =1
3.15(1000) 0.108

134.219 3
Water= =0.134 m ( 1000 L )=134.22 L
1000

1149.396 3 04
CA= =0.4 m = =3.703
2.883 ( 1000 ) 0.108

801.709 3 0.375
FA= =0.375 m = =3.472
2.14 (1000) 0.108

Concrete Proportion: 1: 3.472: 3.703 @134.22L of Water

RESULTS

Dry condition

Water 205 kg
Cement 341.67 kg
Coarse Aggregates 1026.43 kg
Fine Aggregates 665.54 kg

Total: 2238.64 kg

Moist condition

Water 134.219 kg
Cement 341.67 kg
Coarse Aggregates 1149.396 kg
 Fine Aggregates 801.709 kg

Total: 2426.994 kg

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

CONCLUSION

DOCUMENTATION
 LABORATORY 14

FABRICATING CONCRETE SPECIMEN FOR TESTS

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this laboratory experiment, you are expected to:

1. Use the trial mix method to determine the optimum proportion of aggregates, cement, and
water for a design concrete strength.

2. Learn concreting practice in the laboratory.

3. Observe the behavior and characteristic properties of fresh concrete.

REFERENCED STANDARD

ASTM C192-19

ASTM C143-20

AASHTO R39-19

AASHTO T119-22

INTRODUCTION

The production of quality concrete involves the preparation of an adequate proportion

of its component materials. Proper handling and the use of appropriate mixing methods. Proper
proportioning and mixing methods result in a workable mix, adequate properties, and concrete
strength. Since cement achieves its strength through hydration, the water-cement ratio is the
principal factor that controls the compressive strength of concrete. Concrete ingredients are
proportioned according to standard structural requirements. The ingredients are weighed and
combined for accuracy rather than using the volumetric method. It is, therefore, necessary to
design the trial mix before manufacturing concrete. In summary, making and curing concrete
test specimens in the laboratory aims to ensure reliable and controlled samples for testing,
evaluation, quality control, research, compliance, and problem-solving purposes in the
construction industry.
APPARATUS/MATERIALS:

Beam Molds (3-6"x 6" x 18") Two Trowels

Cylindrical Molds (3-6"x 12") Containers for Aggregates

Tamping Rod Large Mixing Pan

Ruler Scale (sensitive to 0.01g)

Stump Cone Apparatus

PROCEDURE

Preparation

1. Consult your laboratory instructor for specifications.

2. The results of the mixed design must be submitted to the laboratory instructor for
approval.

3. Weigh and record the mass in grams (g) of raw materials (dry basis) found in Step 2. Fill
out the actual mass in the results and discussion in Table 1.

4. Achieving a saturated-surface dry (SSD) condition in the coarse aggregates shall be

immersed in water 24±4h before mixing. While the fine aggregates water shall be added
6% of its dry weight and wait for 24±4h before actual mixing.

5. Coarse aggregates shall be drained after immersing for 24+4 before mixing, while fine
aggregates will remain as is from the time it was previously prepared.

Table 1. Dry mass proportion of concrete from experiment no. 13.

Mass Basis Computation

Free Water req: g

Cement req: g

C.A req: g

F.A. req: g

Total: g
Manual Mixing

1. Create a dry mixture of coarse and fine aggregates using a shovel or trowel (for
laboratory scale mixing).

2. Add the cement, then water, and create a slurry mixture. Continuously mix them until
homogeneity is achieved up to 3 minutes using a shovel or a trowel.

3. Once a homogenized mixture has been achieved, start testing for the required fresh
concrete properties and mold to the desired dimensions.

4. Write down your initial observation of the cement paste formation. You may take
documentation or pictures and compare them with other teams. Write down your
physical observation in the results and discussion.

Equipment Assisted Mixing

1. Using a shovel or trowel (for laboratory scale mixing), place the cement inside the mixer
and add water, and mix continuously for up to 2 minutes to form a cement paste.

2. Separately create a dry mixture of coarse and fine aggregates, then pour them into the
mixer and mix continuously for up to 2 minutes to form a slurry mixture.

3. Once a homogenized mixture has been achieved, start testing for the required fresh
concrete properties and mold to the desired dimensions.

4. Write down your initial observation of the cement paste formation. You may take
documentation or pictures and compare them with other teams. Write down your
physical observation in the results and discussion.

Concrete Molding

1. Before pouring your fresh concrete samples into the concrete molds, apply the release
agent (Le, oil, grease, petroleum jelly) in all areas where the concrete mixture will have
direct contact with your concrete moldings.

2. In pouring the fresh concrete, divide each mold into 3 layers. Each layer will require 25
tampings equally on the surface of the concrete mold until it reaches the surface.
Slump Cone Test

1. The mold shall be firmly held down against the pan in testing the slump. Fill the slump
cone with concrete in three layers, each approximately one-third of the volume of the
mold. Each layer shall be a rod with 25 strokes, distributed uniformly over the cross-
section of the cone. The rod shall lightly penetrate the previous layer. After the top layer
has been rodded, the surface of the concrete shall be struck off with a trowel so that the
cone is exactly filled. Raise the cone carefully within 3-7 seconds. Slump test must be
done within. 2.5 minutes. Refers to table 1 for slump requirements.

Fresh Concrete Density

1. Initially weigh the concrete molds as Wm using the precision balance and tabulate the
value in the Results & Discussion Table 3. The volume for the concrete molds Vm will be
pre-calibrated prior to the actual mixing to ensure the dimension of the sample is
achieved.

2. Make sure to properly compact the fresh concrete sample to avoid the formation of
voids in the corners, edges, and inside the concrete specimen once the mold is removed.
The remaining mass of the wet concrete sample from the mixing pan should be < 10% of
the total wetted sample being prepared to accurately calculate the fresh concrete unit
weight.

3. Weigh the concrete mold with the sample as Ws using the precision balance and
tabulate the value in the Results & Discussion Table 4.

4. Calculate the fresh concrete sample by calculating the difference of Ws and Wm and
dividing it with respect to the total volume of the concrete sample Vs Tabulate your
calculation in the Results & Discussion Table 4.

Curing of Concrete Samples

1. Remove the concrete specimen from the concrete molds after 24 ± 4 h from the
concrete mixing preparation.

2. Label each specimen following the format shown in Fig 1. It should include the group
name, name of cement replacement additive, % replacement of the additive, and date of
the preparation.
 3. The concrete specimen will be submerged in a water bath upon removal from the
moldings. Curing and testing will be in 7 days and 28 days from the removal of the
molds.

4. Record the following dates: date of mixing, date of testing for seven days curing, and
date of testing for 28 days curing. Tabulate the dates in the Results & Discussion Table
4.

Table 3. Concrete proportion for beam samples.

Specime Coarse Fine

Type of Mold Cement (g) Aggregates Aggregates Water (g)
n No.
(g) (g)
1. Concrete Blocks
2. Concrete Blocks
3. Concrete Blocks
4. Concrete Blocks
5. Concrete Blocks

CALCULATIONS

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

CONCLUSION

DOCUMENTATION